Celebrating freedom: Freedom Fest features food, fun, music

By Jeremy Henderson, Army Flier Staff WriterJune 11, 2015

Celebrating freedom: Freedom Fest features food, fun, music
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 11, 2015) -- Freedom Fest returns to the Fort Rucker Festival Fields July 2 with food, live music, fun for all ages and one of the best fireworks displays in the Wiregrass.

Kristi Fink, DFMWR special events coordinator, said the annual event is the perfect opportunity for Soldiers and families to celebrate the nation's independence and experience a full day of local entertainment.

"It's an awesome event," she said. "There is something for everyone to enjoy from the kids' activities to the static displays to the 98th Army Band -- and we'll finish it off with a spectacular fireworks display."

Activities begin at 4 p.m. and the 30-minute fireworks display begins around 9 p.m.

According to Fink, attendees can play laser tag this year and view new static displays in addition to the usual full plate of family-friendly activities.

"We have kids' activities like zip line, laser tag, pony rides, inflatables, etc.," she said. "The Fun World contains 16 different inflatables that patrons can purchase tickets for at a cost of $1 each, or armbands for $10 each or $8 each if two or more are purchased."

Food vendors range from funnel cakes and fried Oreos to roasted corn and barbecue, Fink said.

The 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. to entertain the crowd until the fireworks begin. W01 Daniel Parker, 98th Army Band commander, said the band's performance will contain a little bit of everything.

"The band has two diverse sets of great popular music to entertain the crowd," he said. "The first set will feature country, classic rock, pop and funk hits from the Vietnam Era to present day. To energize the crowd and honor our nation, the second set will feature a variety of patriotic tunes leading up to fireworks. The whole evening will be a true production celebrating the rich heritage and bright future of this great nation."

Staff Sgt. Christine Permenter, 98th Army Band vocalist, said Freedom Fest is always a special opportunity for the band.

"Freedom Fest is the 'Silver Wings' Band's most visible and well-attended musical engagement, drawing concert-goers from Fort Rucker and all throughout the Wiregrass," she said. "It's always an honor to entertain so many people in the area."

Sgt. James Old, 98th Army Band vocalist, guitarist and trumpet player, said a great deal of time is dedicated to perfecting the band's performance for Freedom Fest.

"Preparing for Freedom Fest entails a tremendous amount of time, planning, and rehearsals for both musical and non-musical aspects of the production," he said. "Preparation began nearly six months ago, with all phases of the process conceived and implemented by the Soldier musicians on stage. Band members spend countless hours not only selecting and practicing music for the show, but also conceptualizing and executing several other ideas like staging, lighting, sound and video."

The band's performance will also contain its annual salute to Gold Star Families.

"Each year, Survivor Outreach Services sets aside a moment in the program for a tribute to the 'Gold Star Families' in attendance," he said. "These families and their fallen loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The 98th Army 'Silver Wings' Band is honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to these families through music. This year's musical selection honors those families and the memories of their loved ones in uniform."

For more information on the band and future performances, visit www.facebook.com/98thArmyBand.

Freedom Fest is open to the public, but a post access badge is required for those with no military ID.

Prohibited items include coolers, backpacks (except for medical and baby care items), pets, fireworks of any kind, glass containers, weapons (guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.), bicycles, scooters, roller blades and skateboards.

For more information, call 255-1749.

Related Links:

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